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DEDICATION
JOH\ FITZGERALD KENNEDY. THIRTY-FIFTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, IS DEAD. NO OTHER PRESI-
DENT'S DEATH HAS SO DEEPLY TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF ALL MILITARY FORCES— FOR THEY KNEW HD AS
A STAUNCH FRIEND. INDEED, HE WAS A MILITARY FAMILIES' PRESIDENT. IT IS TO HIM AND TO THE INS IRA-
TION WHICH HE LEAVES. THAT WE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATE THIS BOOK IN HIS MEMORY.
'ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY
v
BRIGADIER GENERAL
ELLIS W. WILLIAMSON
Commanding Officer
COMMANDING GENERAL'S MESSAGE
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to each of you for providing the initiative, en-
thusiasm, and professional skill to make this past year a memorable one for the 173d
Airborne Brigade.
Your spirit of determination and leadership ability that I have observed throughout the
past year never fails to renew my confidence that our great nation will continue to be a
leader in the free world.
In this yearbook you will find many pictures which depict the type of activities we have ex-
perienced together. Our training in various types of terrain, under many different situations,
is invaluable to us as an airborne unit that is fully prepared to get the job done.
I congratulate each of you for a job well done and for making this a most memorable
and worthwhile year.
Airborne, All the Way
ELLIS W. WILLIAMSON
Brig. Gen., U.S. Army
Commanding
I •.-» IV I 1 TT1
Asms*
ORNE BRIGADE (SEPARATE)
On 25 June 1963 there occurred a new developmenl in the
structure of the United States Airborne forces with the ac-
tivation of a separate airborne brigade on Okinawa. Initial
reorganization began in March of 1963 when Headquarters
and Headquarters Company of the new brigade was formed.
Activation brought a new concept to today's modern Army:
formation of a force augmented not only in manpower but
in mobility and firepower. One dominant feature remains
unchanged — the will to win.
Subordinate units of the 173d are the 1st and 2nd Battalions (Airborne), 503d Infantry; 3d Battalion
(105MM Towed), 319 Artillery; the 173d Support Battalion; and separate units consisting of the Head-
quarters and Headquarters Company, 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep); 173d Engineer Company; Troop
E, 17th Cavalry; and D Company, 16th Armor. Each of the infantry battalions is composed of three rifle
companies and a headquarters company, while the 3d Battalion, 319th Artillery has three firing batteries
with six 105MM Howitzers each and a headquarters/service battery. The 173d Support Battalion is com-
posed of Company A (Administrative), Company B (Medical), Company C (Supply and Transportation),
and Company D (Maintenance). Located within Company C(S&T) is the Air Equipment Support Platoon
containing the brigade's organic parachute packers and riggers. As indicated by their designations, com-
panies of the support battalion provide the brigade with supply, field maintenance, medical service, para-
chute and aerial delivery support, administrative and miscellaneous services for all assigned or attached
elements.
\\Q Co
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|173 D AIRB0RNE BRIGADE(SEP)s
THE HEAD OF THE BEST
HHC, 173D ABN. BDE. (SEP)
The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 173d
Airborne Brigade (Separate) contains the personnel and
equipment to the Brigade Commander for command and
control of a complex fighting force.
Within this company organization are located the
staff officers who advise the commander within their
area of responsibility; a communications platoon to ex-
tend the voice of the commander to subordinate and higher
organizations; an aviation platoon to give him mobility
on the battlefield; a military police platoon to preserve
law and order; and a security platoon to protect his com-
mand post.
Its motto of "Ahead of the Best" exemplifies its spirit
and awareness of mission.
vi-^j - ■(^jjjj^a
D COMPANY, 1 6th ARMOR.
Company "D," 16th Armor is the anti-tank protection for the 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate).
This completely mobile and hard-hitting company has the capability of destroying any enemy tank in exist-
ence today with its high velocity guns. Additionally, it can provide close fire support to the infantry by en-
gaging o her targets with its destructive fire power.
The fu racked vehicle with its 90MM guns are air deliverable by parachute and will accompany the
brigade inl uemy held territory in the event of a parachute assault.
"Artillery — King of Battle" Mission to support
the other combal arms In fire. \ vita] component of
the 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) is the 3d Bat-
talion, 319th Artillei .
The 319th trace- its histor) and traditions to Camp
Gordon, Georgia, where it was formed in 1917 for
action in France during WWI. It> organizational
colors bear streamers denoting action at Lorraine. St.
Michael, and Meuse-Argonne.
As a part of the famed 82nd Airborne Division dur-
ing WWII, the 319th participated in the invasion of
Sicily and the subsequent campaign up the Italian
peninsula. Action on D-Day in Normandv. the air-
borne invasion of Holland, and the Battle of the
Bulge in the Ardennes contributed more battle stream-
ers to the colors of the 319th.
Units of the 319th are Headquarters and Service
Battery, A Battery, B Battery, and C Battery.
173d Support Battalion — the
only unit of its kind in the United
States Army.
This battalion has the mission of
providing administrative, medical,
logistical, transportation, and main-
tenance support to the 173d Air-
borne Brigade (Separate). It also
is responsible for packing and
maintaining the parachutes and
air items for the entire brigade.
All of the technicians and spe-
cialists required to operate and
maintain the complex equipment
of a modern Army, as well as
chaplains, doctors, and administra-
tive personnel, are concentrated
within this battalion. These ded-
icated personnel perform those es-
sential functions which keep the
combat soldier the best supplied
and equipped in the world.
Units of the 173d Support Bat-
talion are A Company (Adminis-
trative), B Company (Medical). C
Company (Supply and Transporta-
tion), and D Company (Mainte-
nance).
173 RD AIRBORNE BRIGADE(SEP)
* UTM(£
1 73D ENGINEER COMPANY
"Let Us Try" is the motto of the 173d Engineer
Company of 173d Airborne Brigade.
Whether there is an airfield to build, a demolitions
task to be accomplished, streams or rivers to be crossed,
roads or trails to be hacked out of the dense jungle, a
minefield or barrier to be layed or erected or perhaps
a schoolhouse to be built for the local people; it can
and will be done by the 173d Engineer Company
along with its other various missions.
As can be seen this small but vital portion of the
173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) stands prepared
and willing to execute any and all missions.
Its reservoir of ingenuity and professional know-
how contributes to the success of the brigade combat
elements and the Engineers history is replete with
occasions when it also fought as combat infantry.
TROOP E/17th CAVALRY
Troop "E," 17th Cavalry has inherited the history and dash of the United States Cavalry which subdued the
wild West after the Civil War.
The present "eyes and ears" of the Brigade Commander was originally formed in July, 1916. More recently,
this cavalry squadron was designated by the United States Army to provide security for a division. It provides
reconnaissance; offensive and defensive action; and to conduct independent action as required. This is the unit
of the brigade which with its complete mobility ranges ahead and to the flanks to find the enemy and to report
his location nd strength.
A comb, ;ion of individual initiative, resourcefulness, thorough knowledge of scouting and patrolling and a
toughness of <] and physique are prerequisites for duly with Troop "E."
1 1
BATTPLION (HBN) 503' INFR NTRy
COfTlBAT JUmPS
MARKHAM VAULT
NOEMFMR ISLAND
CORREGIDOR
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NEW GUINEA
LEYTE • LUZON
SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES
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BATTLE PARTICIPATIONS jt
COMBAT JUMPS \J
MARKHAM. N0EMF00R ISLAND CORREGIDOR
Al RLAN D ED
HOLLANDIA. NEW GUINEA
AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULTS
LEYTE. MINDORO. NEGROS
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The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 503d Infantry are the lineal descendants of the WWII 503d Parachute
Infantry Regiment of Corregidor Fame. These Battalions continue the traditions of that famous regiment.
The 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment was the first regiment of paratroopers formed in the United States
Army in August 1941 at Fort Benning, Georgia. This is the only airborne regiment with a memorial at the
United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.
During WWII the 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment participated in numerous campaigns in the Pacific area
of operations which culminated with the renowned parachute and capture of the fortress island of Corregidor
in the Philippines in April, 1945. This island stronghold was bitterly defended by the fanatical Japanese and
was only secured by the 503d after two weeks of bloody fighting. After this battle the 503d turned the island
over to the command of General Douglas MacArthur. thus helping to enable him to keep his vow to the Philip-
pine people: "I Shall Return."
In June 1960, the 2nd Airborne Battle Group, 503d Infantry arrived on Okinawa from the 82d Airborne
Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to become the forward striking element of the United States Army in
the Pacific. It was subsequently reorganized into two Airborne Infantry Battalions of the 173d Airborne Bri-
gade. Each Battalion has a headquarters and headauarters company and three rifle companies.
COMMANDING GENERAL ARRIVES
"
GENERAL ELLIS U LLIAMSON
Brigade (Separate! pas in Review.
Left) and COLONEL ROBERT L. ROWAN salute the colors as the 173d Airborne
1 73D ON PARADE
CG reviews troops at NCO parade
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The Colors are presented to the CG
44
PASS IN REVIEW"
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Armored Personnel Carriers "Pass in Review" as Minute Man flag unfurls ( rear I
'4.2" Mortars ( left ) and Medic Vehicles.
The 173d's power punch — 105MM Towed Howitzers.
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"Those blasted twisted risers.
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"What I'd give for a nice sandy Drop Zone."
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"This landed softly."'
Two to one it doesn't open
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Infantry — Walk, walk, and more walking.
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FOR THE LATE PRESIDENT
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COMMAND INSPECTION
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OF THE 1 73D
The Command Inspection
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was held during the month of
December. The inspecting of-
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ficer was Lt. Gen. Paul W.
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Caraway, Commanding Gen-
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CORPS. All phases of units
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OUR FRIENDS IN DEFENSE
Mount Fuji
Tokyo Tower
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Korean Papa-san
Korea
Hong Kong
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Hong Kong
Chinese lass
IV itains of Taiwan
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The Philippines
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The Philippines
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I know how a sardine feels.
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1G presents I »ys collected by the men of the 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate)
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ARMED FORCES DAY
ACTIVITIES
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Portable flame thrower
"Kiddie" mortar range
"Machine-gunners" — All
"Turn me loose"
Kiddies — Airborne too ! !
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Hand to hand demonstration
"Kiddie" grenade range
1 73 D SPORTS
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SEATO Headquarters— "LIGTAS"
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With the parachutes, came the rain.
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Heavy Drop— "A"' 0. K.
The I <l Punch.
Bye, Bye-Blood!!!!!
SMILE! You're on Candid Camera.
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M ive ou t Sergeant?
Yo, ho ho heave ho
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Not my good Jump Boots.
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What a way to earn a living.
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ARMED FORCES
PUBLICATIONS
TAYLOR PUBLISHING COMPANY
DALLAS • USA
OKINAWA-RY
Olcin
awa
Los Angeles
Seattle
Denver
Phoenix
Chicago
Houston
New York
Miami
Miles— 7 AM Mon
7,300 Miles— 2 PM Sun
8,300 Miles— 3 PM Sun
9,300 Miles— 4 PM Sun
10,000 Miles— 5 PM Sun
EAST CHINA SEA
Manila— "I Shall Return" 1,031 Miles
Hong Kong — "Go Broke on Bargains" 996 Miles
Moscow — "Not Far Enough" 8,36?. Miles
Paris— "City of Lights" 8,477 Miles
Red China — "Too Close" 465 Miles
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KYU ISLAND
PACIFIC OCEAN
BLACKIEThePh,'
Box 62 Koza, Okinawa
fe«<tM«C*Mitt>iMMt<iim>an&MMaii«*».-ar a M«M V «r«ww
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Length of Island
66 Miles
Width — Widest Point
19.7 Miles
Narrowest Point
2 Miles
Area — Okinawa
Rhode Island
593 Square Miles
1,214 Square Miles
Population
Density
890,000 People
1 ,504 Persons Per Square Mile
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